System and Method for Adapting an Application Source Rate to a Load Condition

Abstract

A system and method for adapting an application source rate to a load condition are provided. A method for forming a connection includes receiving a service authorization request for service between the first device and the second device, requesting a formation of a first bearer at a first data rate between the first device and the second device, and determining if the first bearer was formed. The method also includes transmitting a first positive response if the first bearer was formed, forming a second bearer at a second data rate if the first bearer was not formed, and completing the connection. The service authorization request includes a request to establish a connection at the first data rate, and the second data rate is different from the first data rate.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 187,654, filed on Jun. 16, 2009, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Adapting an Application Source Rate to a Load Condition in a Wireless Communications Network,” which application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention relates generally to a system and method for wireless communications, and more particularly to a system and method for adapting an application source rate to a load condition.BACKGROUND[0003]Generally, in 4 G communications systems, such as Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) compliant communications systems, voice communications may be supported in the form of voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), wherein voice data is transmitted as a data packet. For example, a user equipment (UE), which may also be commonly referred to as a mobile station (MS), may use an adaptive multi-rate (AMR) speech coder and decoder...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]An advantage of an embodiment is that CODEC rate selection may be fine tuned in response to available resources at connection setup so that a selected rate will not exceed available resources nor will the selected rate be so far below an achievable rate due to an erroneously granted rate request that communications performance may fall below expectations. Furthermore, fine control of CODEC quality versus load conditions may be possible.

[0012]A further advantage of an embodiment is that a more rapid connection setup may be possible if a requested CODEC rate is not available and CODEC rate reduction is required, thereby improving user experience.

[0013]Yet another advantage of an embodiment is that fine tuning of CODEC rate during connection operation is allowed, so if load conditions change while a connection is active, the CODEC rate may be changed (either increased or decreased) to meet the changing load conditions.

Problems solved by technology

The eNB may become overloaded when traffic load increases, such as during busy hours of operation.

The eNB may become overloaded with respect to its radio links, transport network, and / or due to hardware and / or software limitations in network equipment.

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